Issuu

Gear: helmets, jerseys, pants & protectors Parts: Jitsie, OEM plus various aftermarket parts Bikes: Beta, Electric Motion, Vertigo & TRS

TRIALS TRAINING CENTER www.trialstrainingcenter.com 423-942-8688 • Train With A Pro! Expert instruction by top national riders • Riding Park Train on our 650 acre Mountain Resort Beautiful trails, streams and vistas • Lodging, Cabin Rentals, RV sites and Tent sites • Full Service Motorcycle Headquarters We sell Gas Gas, Sherco, Beta, Montesa & Scorpa

2026 SCHEDULE Mar 6-8: Downhill Southeast Mtn Bike Race

Ryan Young Trials Schools at TTC:

Mar 28-29: Trials Training Days

February 7-8

May 16-17: Spring Splash Trial (STRA)

May 23-24

Jun 15-18: Family Camp

October 3-4

Jun 19-21: AMA/NextGen Mototrials Youth & Women's Eastern Regional Championship Jun 22-25: Invitiational Teen Camp

November 14-15 www.ryanyoungtrialsschools.com

Aug 21-23: 16th Annual Red Bull Tennessee Knock Out Extreme Enduro Oct 24-25: 34th Annual 58K Fall Trial (STRA) Dec 5: 20th Annual Xmas Toy Trial Fun Gate Trial

* All dates are subject to change

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / ADVERTISING MANAGER: STEPH VETTERLY STEPHANIE@ONTHEPEGSMAGAZINE.COM

CONTRIBUTORS Mark Kariya Brian Pierce // Seat Time Abigail Buzzelli Future7Media

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On the Pegs is covering the events, personalities, and machinery of GNCC, enduro, trials and more with beautiful photography in a free monthly digital magazine. To get involved or send content, email stephanie@onthepegsmagazine.com

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On the Pegs is published monthly by On the Pegs, LLC. On the Pegs considers its sources reliable and verifies as much data as possible, although reporting inaccuracies can occur; consequently, readers using this information do so at their own risk. On the Pegs is printed in the USA and all rights are reserved. Reproduction of this work in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. The articles contained in this magazine are works of journalism and do not represent the opinions or ideas of On the Pegs. On the Pegs and the publisher assume no responsibility for the content of advertisements. Print copies of this publication are available via www.on-the-pegs.com; price will vary due to issue length and printer service utilized. 4

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January 2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS 6

14 17

20 22 26 28 32 36 42

Local News World News Product Spotlight Seat Time: ODI Nomad Grip Review Seat Time: 5 Lessons Learned From a Full Season of Racing The 10x12 Challenge: January Kickoff X-Trial Great Britain Preview Behind the Scenes of Honda RTL ELECTRIC Development Sand, Stone, and Seconds - West Harescrambles Round 1 Inside the Pressure Cooker - SuperEnduro Round 2

ON THE COVER Mateo Oliveira made a strong start to the 2026 West Hare Scrambles season by taking the win on his debut ride with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing. MARK KARIYA

January 2026

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MOOSE OFFROAD PARTNERS WITH LIQUI MOLY BETA RACING

he Liqui Moly Beta Race Team is proud to announce a new multi-year partnership with Moose Offroad, naming the industry giant as the Official Gear Company for the factory off-road squad. Beginning this season, all Beta factory off-road riders will compete in Moose Offroad's high-performance racewear. This collaboration unites two brands deeply rooted in off-road culture. With the team competing in grueling disciplines such as GNCC, National Enduro, WORCS, NGPC, WHS, and National Hare & Hound, the demand for durable, high-performance gear is paramount. Moose Offroad will provide the team with apparel engineered for maximum ventilation, freedom of movement, and rugged durability—essential factors for riders facing multi-hour races in punishing terrain.

The switch to Moose Offroad ensures that Beta’s athletes are equipped with gear that regulates body temperature and withstands the elements, allowing them to focus entirely on the track ahead. “We are thrilled to announce our Partnership with Moose Offroad as our Official Gear sponsor for the Factory Beta Off-Road Team,” said Carlen Gardner, Race Team Director. “This team has been putting in a tremendous amount of work to grow this program, and Moose Offroad is the perfect partner to help take this team to the next level.” Moose Offroad's commitment to the sport aligns perfectly with Beta’s "Rideability" philosophy. By equipping the team with their latest technical fabrics and rider-focused designs, Moose Offroad is directly supporting the team’s push for championships.

“Moose Offroad has been part of the off-road community for generations, and our partnership with Beta Motorcycles is built on that same foundation of heritage and progress,” said Carl van Niekerk, Brand Manager. “As Beta continues to grow in the U.S. market, we’re proud to support a brand that values craftsmanship, racing influence, and rider experience as much as we do.”

JOSH ROPER JOINS US MONTESA HONDA

osh Roper has recently announced that he has signed with US Montesa Honda for the 2026 season. This comes after GasGas - part of the KTM AG Group - announced they will not be participating with a Factory team in World and National trials series from the 2026 season onwards. Changes in the GasGas support on a US National front were felt in the 2025 season when the official GasGas USA Trials Team was no longer a standalone factorysupported team, but was merged with, and managed by, Mike Damm of Trials Superstore. US Montesa Honda has certainly been the topic of conversation in the trials community over the past two years after bringing Toby Martyn (now with Stark Future) over to the states in 2024 to compete in the National series, and bringing Jorge Casales (now with TRS) to compete in 2025. This coming season will be US Montesa Honda's first American Pro rider on the roster since Daniel Blanc-Gonnet in 2017.

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January 2026

The Liqui Moly Beta Race Team will debut their new Moose Offroad look at the upcoming season opener.

LOCAL NEWS SHERCO US WELCOMES 14X TRIALS CHAMPION - PAT SMAGE

hen you mention the name Pat Smage in the motorcycling world, two things come to mind: Champion and Sherco. Loyalty to this extent in professional motorcycle competition - remaining with one motorcycle brand for the entirety of his career - is very rare. Spanning 14 AMA North American Trials Council (NATC) championships, with the first in 2007, Smage’s dominance is as impressive as any motorcycle rider in the world, as is his loyalty. In addition to competing in the NATC Nationals series in 2026 aboard a Sherco ST-F 300 Factory, he will also serve as our trials sales representative. He will be attending club events to support consumer demos, as well as lend a hand with trackside support. You will likely see him at select AMA National Hard Enduro Championship races as a brand ambassador as well. “We are honored to have Pat join the organization, and we look forward to him building lasting relationships within the trials community. Pat has accomplished so much in his career as a competitor; we are excited to have him in our company doing what he knows best,” said James “Jim Bob” Jordan, President of Sherco US. Pat Smage had this to say: “I am thrilled to have an opportunity with the Sherco brand. My goal has always been to work for Sherco when my competitive career comes to an end. I have enjoyed many championships with Sherco Motorcycles and feel I have a deep understanding and appreciation for the brand, its consumers, and its dealers.” photo credit: Hannah Smage

2026 EAST / WEST HARD ENDURO REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS The US Hard Enduro group has recently announced their East and West Regional Championship Series schedules for 2026. Each regional championship has some co-sanctioning with the National Hard Enduro schedule, but ultimately has unique events that showcase some great riding areas.

WEST REGIONAL HARD ENDURO Rd 1 Rd 2 Rd 3 Rd 4 Rd 5 EXH* Rd 6

Jan 24-25 Feb 20-21 Mar 20-22 Apr 18-19 Jun 12-13 Jun 26-27 Sept 12-13

King of the Motos - Johnson Valley, CA Ultimate Hawaiian Hard Enduro - Kauai, HI Grinding Stone Hard Enduro - Page, AZ Moab Hard Enduro at Area BFE - Moab, UT Donner Hard Enduro - Norden, CA Squamish Hard Enduro - Squamish, BC Brave Beaver Hard Enduro - Beaver, UT

EAST REGIONAL HARD ENDURO Rd 1 Rd 2 Rd 3 Rd 4 Rd 5 Rd 6 Rd 7 Rd 8

May 2-3 May 23-24 May 25 July 18-19 Aug 8-9 Aug 20-23 Sept 26-27 Oct 25

Battle of the Goats - Taylorsville, NC Tough Like RORR - Tamaqua, PA (KEYSTONE CHALLENGE) Locked-N-Loaded Hard Scramble - Sugarloaf, PA (KEYSTONE CHAL.) River Monster Hard Enduro - Glen Lyn, VA Hollow Point Hard Enduro - Wellsville, OH Red Bull Tennessee Knockout - Sequatchie, TN Fallen Timbers Hard Enduro - Little Hocking, OH Coal Cracker Smacker - Good Spring, PA

Points from the lowest-scoring round will be dropped at the end of the season Every AMA National Round will be co-sanctioned with an AMA Regional *indicates a non-points exhibition round

January 2026

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2026 FMF KTM FACTORY RACING TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT

MF KTM Factory Racing has announced an expanded seven-rider lineup for the 2026 U.S. offroad season, coming into the new year READY TO RACE following a highly successful past year of competition. Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Champion Ben Kelley returns to defend his title equipped with a KTM 450 XC-F, joined by 2024 GNCC winner Johnny Girroir and XC1 Open Pro Class newcomer Grant Davis. The formidable trio is set to spearhead KTM’s charge for GNCC success in 2026. Kelley delivered an exceptional GNCC campaign this season, with the 29-yearold securing two Overall victories and four additional podiums across the 13-round series, ultimately earning his second GNCC crown. In addition to GNCC, he will also contest the NE Pro1 Class of the American National Enduro Championship, while Girroir is set to enter the Pro1 division of the U.S. Sprint Enduro Series, with each program serving to complement their GNCC activities. Two-time XC2 250 Pro Class GNCC Champion Davis will graduate to the XC1 division for 2026, joining Girroir onboard KTM 350 XC-F FACTORY EDITION machinery following a dominant year in class last season, while also challenging

for the Overall title. The 20-year-old claimed four GNCC Overall victories and three additional podiums on his way to finishing second in the final standings. He will also compete in the Pro1 Class of the U.S. Sprint Enduro Series next year. BEN KELLEY: “It was a really solid season for me in 2025, able to win the XC1 and Overall Championship in the GNCC Series. I was also able to battle at the front and be a podium guy in the National Enduros, so it was a comeback season for me after having some serious injuries over the past couple of years. I’m looking forward to carry the momentum now into 2026 and trying to defend my number one plate. I know it’s going to be a battle with a couple of my teammates and I’m excited for that.” JOHNNY GIRROIR: “It was a rollercoaster year 2025, definitely one I’d like to forget. We had a little hiccup at the first round, then it was basically up and down from there. But I’m feeling fit and strong again, and back to 100 percent heading into 2026, so I’m looking forward to getting the season underway.” GRANT DAVIS: “This past season was good! I definitely put together some of my best

BEN KELLEY 8

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January 2026

riding, winning back-to-back XC2 championships, also challenging for the Overall GNCC title, and then I won Pro2 in the Sprint Enduros too. For 2026, I’m moving up to the XC1 Class, so I’m excited for that. It’ll definitely be some stiff competition with Johnny, Ben and I under the rig, but I definitely want to win, that’s the goal.” Joining the lineup for 2026 is 21-year-old Jason Tino, who looks to rebound after an injury-interrupted 2025. He will pilot the KTM 250 XC-F in both the GNCC XC2 250 Pro Class and the American National Enduro Pro2 category, eager to showcase his potential across both series. JASON TINO: “We got off to a pretty strong start in 2025 by winning the first National Enduro round. Unfortunately, from there I tore my ACL and had to sit the rest of the season out, watching from the sidelines. I was able to make it back for the very last round, and we put it on the box there, which was awesome. I’m ready to come out swinging for 2026, because it’s a new team and new colors for me, so I’m really excited about that.” FMF KTM Factory Racing also welcomes Brandy Richards for her third GNCC campaign in the WXC Class.

BRANDY RICHARDS

Richards, a five-time FIM 6DAYS Women’s World Trophy winner, will also look to reclaim the U.S. Sprint Enduro Pro Women’s title – which she previously won in 2024 – onboard the KTM 350 XC-F FACTORY EDITION next year. BRANDY RICHARDS: “This year definitely wasn’t quite my best, I had some highs and lows along the way, including a big injury which saw me miss a good portion of the season. We came back at the end and won some races, then had a solid showing at the 6DAYS. Moving into 2026, I’m looking forward to staying healthy and winning races and titles.” In addition, FMF KTM Factory Racing standout Dante Oliveira will target a seventhconsecutive National Grand Prix Championship (NGPC) title in 2026, along with defending his National Hare and Hound (NHHA) Pro Class title equipped with the KTM 450 XC-F. DANTE OLIVEIRA: “2025 was awesome! We jumped into the Hare and Hound Championship, which was a blast. It came down to a close fight, but we ended up getting the championship. It was nothing but positives and learning all year long with

LOCAL NEWS another NGPC title as well, my sixth-consecutive title in the series. I’m looking forward to going again in 2026 with a stacked schedule!” After clinching his fourthstraight U.S. Hard Enduro Championship last season, world-class Canadian Trystan Hart will also return with FMF KTM Factory Racing, piloting the KTM 300 XC in Hard Enduro. He will then aim to regain the AMA EnduroCross Championship – equipped with the KTM 350 XC-F FACTORY EDITION – later in the season. Hart claimed five Pro Class victories in U.S. Hard Enduro this year, alongside a hard-fought P2 result in EnduroCross. TRYSTAN HART: “2025 went pretty well overall. I was able to win the US Hard Enduro Championship for the fifth time in a row, and EnduroCross was a real nail-biter. I had an issue in the first race that put me on the back-foot, then bounced back to win three in a row. After that, I picked up a few injuries, nothing major on their own, but a lot of little crashes that added up and left me pretty banged up. I was close to finishing the job, but that’s how it goes sometimes. Still, there were a lot of positives to take away, and we’ll be back to get it next year, hopefully for title number six. With the U.S. Hard Enduro Series now becoming an official national championship, it is cool to see it recognized at

that level, and I’m glad I could help play a part in growing the series for the next generation.” TIM WEIGAND FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: "The 2026 season is here and FMF KTM Factory Racing is ready with a powerful seven-rider lineup competing across all U.S. national series. Every rider on this roster is capable of winning on any weekend, making this one of the most exciting lineups we’ve assembled. We can’t wait to see what this group achieves together this season." ANTTI KALLONEN KTM Group North America Director of Offroad Racing

TRYSTAN HART

JOHNNY GIRROIR

"This team is built on strong leadership, clear direction, and racers who know how to win. We trust our people, we trust our process, and we’re confident in what lies ahead thanks to our Team Manager, Tim Weigand, who assembled one of the strongest rider lineups to date. I can’t wait to get the racing started."

JASON TINO

DANTE OLIVEIRA

GRANT DAVIS January 2026

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2026 LIQUI MOLY FACTORY BETA OFF-ROAD TEAM

he Liqui Moly Beta Factory Off-Road Team has finalized its off-road rider lineup for the 2026 season, centering on a mix of defending champions and a strengthened East Coast presence.

851

WEST COAST PROGRAM Beta’s West Coast efforts will once again be led by Zane Roberts and Dare DeMartile. Both riders are coming off successful campaigns and look forward to building off that.

ZANE ROBERTS - #851 RACE BIKE: Factory 480RR SERIES: National Hare &

Hound Association, West Harescrambles TECHNICIAN: Zac Siedel

Zane Roberts returns to contest the National Hare and Hound and West Hare Scramble series. Following a strong 2025, Roberts aims to reclaim the top spot in the desert. Dare DeMartile will defend his WORCS Pro title while looking to improve upon his runner-up finish in the NGPC series. DeMartile’s consistency over the last two seasons remains a focal point for the team’s West Coast strategy. BRIAN MAROK West Coast Team Manager

DARE DEMARTILE - #1 RACE BIKE: Factory 450RC SERIES: WORCS and National

Grand Prix Championship

TECHNICIAN: Brodie DeMartile

“It is looking to be business as usual for the West Coast team. Zane was so close last year, with 5 out of 9 wins, and I think that has got him fired up to prove he deserves to be the NHHA champion that we all know he can be. We have Dare coming off of back-toback championship wins in WORCS, and he is going have a bullseye on his back for sure going into the 2026 season. Beta isn't just a niche exotic brand. We have the bikes and the riders, and we are going to show everyone that we are the competition.”

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January 2026

LOCAL NEWS

EAST COAST RACE TEAM The East Coast team expands for 2026, welcoming back a former team rider and fielding two entries in the GNCC premier class.

CODY BARNES - #99 RACE BIKE: Factory 480RR SERIES: GNCC and US Sprint

Enduro

TECHNICIAN: Dennis Kiser

Cody Barnes rejoins Beta for the first time since 2020. Barnes will compete in the GNCC XC1 class and the US Sprint Enduro series. His return adds significant depth to the team’s woods racing program. Josh Strang continues his dual role as East Coast Team Manager and XC1 competitor. Strang’s veteran experience remains a strong asset for the team’s technical development and rider mentorship. This will be Josh's 20th season racing GNCC. Jhak Walker enters his second year of a two-year contract, competing in the GNCC XC2 class and National Enduro NE Pro2 class on the Beta Factory 250 RR. Walker had a very successful transition to the 250 last season and will look to build upon that experience heading into 2026.

JHAK WALKER - #19 RACE BIKE: Factory 250RR SERIES: GNCC and National

Enduro

TECHNICIAN: Kai Kapahee

JOSH STRANG East Coast Team Manager "2026 will be an interesting and exciting year for the Beta Factory racing program on the East Coast. Jhak will continue in the XC2 and NE Pro2 classes, where he should continue in NEPG to be a front runner and has the opportunity to step into a podium spot in the XC2 class for GNCC, which is really exciting for the Beta program. Cody will be back after a few years away from the program, but with the speed I have seen throughout 2025 and the speed he already has on our 480, I’m excited to see what he has for the GNCC series. I will also be racing in my 20th season. I’m proud of the team and will put my best foot forward, but I will be putting the pressure on the kids to make sure they also put their best foot forward every week."

JOSH STRANG - #7 RACE BIKE: Factory 480RR SERIES: GNCC TECHNICIAN: Dennis Kiser

January 2026

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NEW OFFROAD ROSTER LAUNCHED BY ROCKSTAR HUSQVARNA

ockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing has officially launched its 2026 offroad roster, with new recruit Mateo Oliveira joining returning trio Craig DeLong, Korie Steede and Ryder LeBlond for next season. All four riders bring racewinning pedigree to the U.S. team, with Oliveira brought into the lineup after clinching this year’s AMA West Hare Scrambles (WHS) Pro Class title, inclusive of three round victories. The 23-year-old will compete in the AMA National Grand Prix Championship (NGPC) Pro Class and return to defend his WHS title onboard Husqvarna FE 450 machinery. “The year was solid!” recalled Oliveira. “I finally checked some boxes that I needed to check, led a lot of laps and stood on a lot of podiums. I think we were only off the podium twice, if you don’t count breaking my hand and missing a round, so it was kind of where I should have been

CRAIG DELONG

KORIE STEEDE 12

ON-THE-PEGS.COM

the whole time. There are just a couple more things to do and we’re right there, so I feel like I belong at the front, and 2026 is going to be exciting. I’ve got a new bike and a new look head to toe, with a stronger mindset too. I was strong in 2025 and I know I’m going to be even stronger next year, so we’ll keep checking off those goals.” Former Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Champion DeLong continues with the team for 2026, with the 29-year-old Pennsylvania native riding his Husqvarna FX 350 in both the GNCC Series and the American National Enduro Championship Pro1 Class. “I’m just looking forward to getting back up front and being in the battle again for 2026,” DeLong said. “This year, truthfully, I was off the back, and it’s not good when you’re there. The focus is on being up front, being in the fight, leading some laps, winning some races and putting myself in a good position again.” Following an exceptional 2025 season, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing is proud to welcome back defending GNCC WXC Class Champion Korie Steede, who claimed six round victories en route to her maiden title this year. In addition to her GNCC success, Steede captured the 2025 AMA U.S. Sprint Enduro Championship crown in the Pro Women category and was instrumental in Team USA’s FIM 6DAYS Women’s World Trophy Team victory once again. Steede will pilot a Husqvarna FC 250 Factory Edition in GNCC WXC competition wearing the number-one plate, alongside an American National Enduro schedule in the Pro Women division. “Season 2025 was a year of all my dreams,” reflected Steede. “I’ve been dreaming

January 2026

of a year like this since I was probably six years old, so to win every championship that I lined up for was surreal, and it’s going to be hard to top, that’s for sure. This off-season, I’m going to have to work harder than ever because everyone’s going to come out swinging, and 2026 is going to be a good year.” Also coming off a standout campaign this year, LeBlond continues to establish himself as one of the sport’s most exciting emerging talents. The 24-year-old rode his Husqvarna TE 300 to fourth overall in the 2025 U.S. Hard Enduro Championship standings, including two Pro Class round victories.

is a different style of racing, so attending all of those races gave me a broad perspective on what the management role actually involves. We have a great group of riders and mechanics on the team – I can’t wait to see what we can do at the races in 2026.” ANTTI KALLONEN Director of Offroad Racing “With new energy in our management with Bobby Dawson and a clear vision for the future, this team is entering an exciting new chapter. The momentum is real, the motivation is high with our racers and personnel, and we’re confident in our path to continued success.”

LeBlond also raced to third place in the EX Pro Class of the AMA EnduroCross Championship, where he was equipped with the Husqvarna FX 350 and earned a pair of overall podiums. He will continue in both series for 2026. “2025 was a pretty good year,” LeBlond commented. “I started the Hard Enduro series strongly, then hit a bit of a rough patch midseason, but managed to turn things around in EnduroCross and put together my best season yet. We finished the year on a positive note, and now the focus is firmly on 2026.” BOBBY DAWSON Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Offroad Team Manager “Being in this new position, I’m really excited. Over the past five years, working as a mechanic and seeing how things operate in offroad racing across different series and events has been invaluable. Each series

MATEO OLIVEIRA

RYDER LEBLOND

LOCAL NEWS NGPC AND GNCC SCHEDULES FOR 2026

NATIONAL GRAND PRIX CHAMPIONSHIP

Rd 1 Rd 2 Rd 3 Rd 4 Rd 5 Rd 6 Rd 7 Rd 8 Rd 9 Rd 10

Rd 1 - Big Buck Rd 2 - Wild Boar Rd 3 - Talladega Rd 4 - Camp Coker Bullet Rd 5 - The Dukes Rd 6 - The Old Gray Rd 7 - Powerline Park Rd 8 - Watkins Glen Intl. Rd 9 - Snowshoe Rd 10 - The John Penton Rd 11 - Mason-Dixon Rd 12 - Ironman Rd 13 - Buckwheat 100

Jan 16-18 Jan 30-Feb 1 Feb 27-Mar 1 Mar 20-22 Apr 24-26 May 15-17 Aug 28-30 Oct 2-4 Oct 23-25 Nov 13-15

Delano, CA Blythe, CA Glen Helen, CA Reno, NV Pala, CA Marysville, CA Preston, ID Ridgecrest, CA Laughlin, NV Mesquite, NV

Feb 14-15 Feb 28-Mar 1 Mar 7-8 Mar 28-29 Apr 18-19 May 2-3 May 16-17 Jun 6-7 Jun 27-28 Sept 19-20 Oct 3-4 Oct 24-25 Nov 7-8

January 2026

Union, SC Palatka, FL Lincoln, AL Society Hill, SC Leburn, KY Monterey, TN St Clairsville, OH Watkins Glen, NY Snowshoe, WV Millfield, OH Mt Morris, PA Crawfordsville, IN Newburg, WV

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SHERCO WELCOMES STEVE HOLCOMBE FOR THE 2026 & 2027 SEASONS

fter a strong enduro season in 2025, marked by excellent results and the E3 World Championship title with Hamish Macdonald, Sherco is proud to announce major news within the Sherco family. One of the most successful and talented riders in recent enduro history, British rider Steve Holcombe, 9 times Enduro World Champion will join Sherco for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. After racing against each other for several years, both parties finally had the opportunity to sit down together, discuss and reach an agreement. This represents a major challenge for both sides: for Steve, following an unfortunate season impacted by injury, and for Team Sherco, with the clear objective of pushing the level of the squad even higher. Steve will compete in the E3 class aboard our best-selling Sherco 300 2-stroke, the bike that dominated the 2025 season. The main focus for 2026 will be the EnduroGP World Championship, alongside the Italian Championship, the ISDE in Portugal, and the Trèfle Lozérien. Depending on the calendar, Steve is also expected to take part in several UK Enduro events, which will be announced at a later stage. Bike testing is scheduled to begin in early January, and the entire team is highly motivated to start this new chapter. Further announcements regarding the Sherco Factory – CH Racing Team riders will be made in the coming days. FABRIZIO AZZALIN Team Manager CH Racing Team: “It is a great pleasure for me to have this opportunity. With Steve, we have talked many times in the past, but for different reasons we never found the right moment. Now, the time has finally come to work together and prove how strong we can be. I am also very happy because Steve’s experience will be extremely valuable for the rest of the team, which will be revealed in the coming days.” JORDAN CURVALLE Sherco Factory Team Manager: “We are very pleased to welcome Steve to the team for the next two seasons. This is something we have been considering for several years, and this time everything aligned perfectly to make it a reality. Now it’s time to get to work, as the next EnduroGP season promises to be extremely exciting and competitive.” 14

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January 2026

STEVE HOLCOMBE “I’m pleased to share that I’ll be racing with Sherco in 2026. I’ve been fortunate to achieve a lot so far, but the drive to compete at the very front hasn’t changed. This new project is a big motivator for me — new people, a new bike, and a new challenge. The SE 300 is a platform I’m excited about, and I’m looking forward to working closely with the team so we can start the season strong and push for the results we all want.” ABOUT STEVE HOLCOMBE Steve Holcombe (born 16 May 1994) is a British professional Enduro rider and one of the most successful competitors in the history of the discipline. He is a nine-time FIM Enduro World Champion, including four EnduroGP overall titles (2017, 2018, 2020 & 2023), three Enduro3 (E3) World Championships (2016, 2018 & 2019) and two Enduro2 (E2) World Championships (2020 & 2023).

WORLD NEWS TRIUMPH FACTORY RACING ENDURO SIGNS JEREMY SYDOW FOR 2026

riumph Factory Racing Enduro Team is proud to confirm the signing of rising German star Jeremy Sydow for the 2026 season. The 25-year-old will contest the Enduro1 class of the FIM EnduroGP World Championship aboard the TF 250-E, while also representing Triumph in the German Enduro Championship. Joining Mikael Persson in the factory line-up, Jeremy adds further strength to Triumph’s growing international programme as the team enters its second full year of EnduroGP competition. A standout performer in 2025, Sydow has rapidly established himself as one of enduro’s most exciting young prospects. Since switching from motocross in late 2022, he has delivered impressive results – finishing as runner-up in the Junior1 category in 2023 before securing consecutive top-five championship results in Enduro1 in 2024 and 2025. Following his first shakedown test on the TF 250-E, Jeremy now looks to build racewinning momentum under the guidance of team manager Paul Edmondson. His first experience with the team will come during pre-season testing, with a training camp in Portugal planned in preparation for the 2026 championship opener in Italy on April 10-12. JEREMY SYDOW “I’m really excited to be joining Triumph for next season. I’ve always wanted to race a four-stroke, especially as I never did that in enduro before, and from the start the Triumph felt like the perfect fit for me. From the first moment I rode the bike, I felt completely at home. That’s not something you experience with every bike, and it immediately gave me a lot of confidence. I believe we can achieve some really strong results together. It’s a brand-new package for me, so preparation is key, but

I’m highly motivated for the challenge. My goals for the season are to be on the podium regularly in my class, fight for the overall podium when possible, and finish the year inside the top five overall. On top of that, winning the German title is a clear target for me.”

off our test schedule with him early in the year as he gets fully to grips with Triumph machinery ahead of the season start.”

PAUL EDMONDSON – Triumph Factory Racing Enduro Team Manager

“We’re really excited to have Jeremy joining the Triumph Factory Racing Enduro Team for 2026. As we head into our second season of EnduroGP with a year of race time under our belt, we already have a

“It’s a pleasure to welcome Jeremy to the team for 2026. I watched him closely throughout last year and was really impressed with both his riding and his approach to race weekends. We believe he has a lot of potential for the future. Everyone is excited to be working with him for the upcoming season – our second year in EnduroGP with the TF 250-E – and I’m sure everything we’ve learned during our first year will be a big advantage as we continue developing the programme. Jeremy will race in Enduro1 alongside Mikael, and he’ll also contest the German Enduro Championship. We’re looking forward to kicking

IAN KIMBER – Head of Global Racing Programmes, Triumph Motorcycles

lot of positive momentum to build on. Our first season with our new enduro bike went incredibly well, with all Triumph machines finishing all tests, so we know the base is very strong, especially with the results we achieved. Jeremy’s motivation and talent will be a huge asset to the team; he’s quickly adapted to riding the TF 250-E in an initial shakedown test and has set some realistic goals for the season ahead. We can’t wait to get started with our testing programme in the next few weeks.”

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WORLD NEWS HELL'S RIDE HARD ENDURO

new 3-day Hard Enduro event for everyone that leaves nothing to be desired! A Hard Enduro points chase in stunning natural surroundings with extensive training opportunities, qualifying and final races for all participants, and a special children's program on the final day. Oberhof, Metnitztal, Carinthia, Austria: May 1st to 3rd, 2026! The former organizer of the ÖEC Cup, Thomas Pirolt, is back with a new, revolutionary event idea, and the idea is

as simple as it is ingenious! The basis for the new race format is an “easy, not too demanding” off-road course, from which additional loops, known as “outliers,” branch off.

The winner is the rider with the most points, and the ranking is based on points achieved. In the event of a tie, the faster time decides. The maximum riding time in the final is 4 laps or 3.5 hours.

Riders receive points for each lap completed, plus additional points for each “outlier” they complete. Importantly, the “outliers” can be ridden, but do not have to be. This allows each participant to decide for themselves on their maximum level of difficulty in each lap.

Hell's Ride is not only an outstanding rider event, but also offers spectators a mega show, with all key points quickly and easily accessible on foot. Graham Jarvis will be racing with the “Jarv-E”! In addition to international stars

of Hard Enduro, Graham Jarvis has already confirmed his participation. The event offers ideal conditions for all performance and age groups, with a total of 10 individual classes plus an overall classification.

TRRS & JORGE CASALES JOIN FORCES FOR THE 2026 SEASON

RRS Motorcycles has officially announced the signing of a collaboration agreement with Jorge Casales, one of the most prominent international trial riders, for the 2026 season. As part of this new partnership, Jorge Casales will compete aboard the TRRS ONE RR 300, the model that represents the brand’s highest level of technological and sporting performance. The alliance between TRRS and Casales is built on a shared goal: to continue growing at the highest level of competition while strengthening the brand’s development in both sporting and promotional arenas. The agreement goes beyond championships, with Casales set to play an active role in promotional and training activities, TRRS Schools, events, and other activities aimed at trials enthusiasts and practitioners. The collaboration will place special emphasis on the North American market, although no formal announcement has yet been made as to what this will look like.

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January 2026

if you’re viewing this as the digital version, click each product to be taken to its website where you can buy direct

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

ASV INVENTIONS MIDNIGHT EDITION EMIG PRO PACK+ - $365 msrp / $318 (sale, varies by retailer and pack) Benefits and Features: ASV Inventions Launches MIDNIGHT EDITION EMIG PRO PACK+. Renowned lever innovator Featuring premium anodized finish levers and the brand’s signature unbreakable design, the Midnight Edition is the durable purple touch your bike needs. Built for riders who demand top‑level performance, the ASV MIDNIGHT EDITION EMIG PRO PACK+ includes hydraulic clutch and brake levers, ODI EMIG PRO V2 grips, EMIG Rotator Clamps, dust covers, and, in PRO+ editions, reservoir caps for added custom style and protection — all designed to deliver smooth, consistent lever feel and unmatched durability on every ride.

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The ASV MIDNIGHT EDITION EMIG PRO PACK+ includes: Hydraulic brake and clutch lever pair (anodized finish) ODI EMIG PRO V2 lock‑on grips EMIG Rotator Clamps (x2) ASV Produst covers Optional CNC reservoir caps (in PRO+ edition) On‑the‑fly cable quick adjust Precision‑sealed bearing in the pivot Forged aluminum with glossy finish Micro‑indexing dial reach adjuster (4" range) Unbreakable pivot design Chrome silicon high‑tension spring Stainless‑steel fasteners Completely rebuildable 4‑year unconditional guarantee Made in the USA asvinventions.com

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RadiusCX is the complete package of auto clutch functionality, improved power delivery, and upgraded durability. RadiusCX kits include Rekluse’s nextgeneration EXP 4.0 auto clutch disk, billet aluminum inner hub and pressure plate Core components, TorqDrive friction disk technology, plus a clutch cover to top it off. TorqDrive disks and EXP 4.0 provide stronger power delivery and a more reliable, responsive clutch modulation. Fits 2019+ 125/200 RR X-Pro/Race only!

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January 2026

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WWW.TRSMOTOSUSA.COM

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USA DEALERS Dirt Riders West

Mike Carlton

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Trial Store USA

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January 2026

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Click or scan to watch Brian's YouTube video

ODI NOMAD GRIP REVIEW: COMFORT WITHOUT THE BULK WORDS PHOTOS

he ODI Nomad grips came out earlier this year. The size and the vibration dampening from the D3O material caught my attention

BRIAN PIERCE COURTESY BRIAN PIERCE

because of my baby hands. I wanted to see if they were better than the ODI Half Waffles lock ons I usually run, or if they’d feel too big thanks

to the raised “pillow tops” made from that same D3O compound. For most of my riding, I’ve stuck with the ODI Half Waffle Lock‑Ons. They’re around 30.5 mm, which puts them in that nice slim‑to‑medium zone. Perfect for smaller hands and for keeping a light, confident grip. They’re simple, they last a while, and you can replace them in five minutes without glue or safety wire. That’s my baseline setup, thin, direct, and easy to install. After the Lead Belt Enduro, my half waffles were worn out. I also was beginning to notice I was wearing the grips differently on the four stroke, my thumbs were digging in a lot more. So instead of a direct half waffle replacement, I decided to test out the ODI Nomad’s due to the D3O

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January 2026

material, small size, and marketing hype. The Nomads measure 31.5 mm, about a millimeter thicker than the half waffles. Doesn’t sound like much, but when you’ve got small hands, you notice. ODI says the secret is the D3O material, a compound used in body armor that’s pliable during normal use but firms up on impact. That translates here to better vibration dampening while still staying responsive when you hit something hard. Whether that actually happens mid‑ride is tough to feel, but it’s an interesting approach. ON‑THE‑BIKE IMPRESSIONS Once I got riding, the Nomads felt surprisingly natural. I expected to notice the raised “pillow tops”, and the 1mm difference, but the size and

texture disappeared once I started riding.

WHO THE NOMADS ARE FOR (AND NOT FOR)

Here’s what stood out:

These grips hit a sweet spot for riders who care about comfort but still want direct feedback.

Comfort: They feel plush without the spongy, disconnected feel that thicker grips sometimes have. Vibration: Slightly less bar buzz on longer rides, especially through choppy rock and root sections. Control: The bigger diameter was noticeable at first, but my hands adjusted quickly. Texture: Good bite, no slippery spots, and no odd wear patterns or blisters after a full race weekend. As for that D3O claim, it’s hard to prove. I never felt a magical stiffening effect, but if the goal was a smoother, less fatiguing ride, it worked. The bike felt a touch calmer through the bars by the end of a long ride. The Nomads sit right between the half waffle (30.5 mm) and the Rogue (32 mm). I’ve always found Rogues too bulky, but these strike a nice middle ground for riders who want a little extra cushion without losing feel.

You’ll probably like the Nomads if: •

You want a medium‑diameter grip that softens vibration.

•

Rogues feel too big, Half Waffles too small.

•

You like a quick lock‑on install with zero maintenance.

•

You’re chasing a smoother ride without losing control feel.

You might skip them if:

Brand new ODI Nomad grip next to worn out Half Waffle lock-on

DURABILITY & VALUE

FINAL TAKE Would I buy another set? Yes. The Nomads did exactly what I hoped, added a bit of comfort without making the bike feel vague.

•

You have small hands and prefer the thinnest grips possible.

•

You want maximum bar feedback.

•

You go through grips often and don’t want to pay the premium price.

I went through a set in four enduros and a few practice rides. That’s not bad given how hard I ride and how often I’m at race pace. The D3O compound feels soft but held up better than I expected before the “knobs” started to smooth out or disappear.

For long enduros, dual‑sports, or single‑track riders who spend hours on the pegs, the comfort difference is noticeable. For maximum bar feedback, probably not worth the extra thickness and cost.

Lock‑on grips cost more than traditional glue‑ons, but the easy install and consistent fit make them worth it if you’re swapping often. Pop off the old set, tighten the bolts, and you’re done. No mess, no fuss.

Will I keep experimenting? Also yes. The new Renthal Aramid Half Waffle Lock‑Ons are next on my list so I can compare compounds head‑to‑head. If you’re like me, the half waffles feel perfect most of the time, but your interested to see if you’re hands can last longer, the ODI Nomads are worth a try. They’re the middle ground between the Rogue and the Half Waffle, extra padding for comfortable while staying fairly thin for smaller hands.

www.seattime.co January 2026

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January 2026

5 LESSONS LEARNED FROM A FULL SEASON OF RACING A

WORDS & PHOTOS

full season of National Enduro racing and regional events on a brand‑new four‑stroke taught me a lot. Somewhere between wrong gearing at Sumter, slick clay in Ohio, and finally feeling “at home” on the GasGas late in the year, these five lessons kept showing up. This is what I learned over the year of racing that changed how the bike was set up, how the body was trained, and how the mind approached race pace. 1 - NEW BIKE ADAPTATION TAKES TIME Switching from a well‑worn Sherco 300 two‑stroke that had seven years of history into a brand‑new GasGas four‑stroke was not just a “new bike day.” It was a full reset on chassis feel, power delivery, weight, and trust. The mistake was assuming that a few weeks of riding would replace years of familiarity.

COURTESY BRIAN PIERCE

At Sumter, wrong gearing and sag settings meant the bike never really settled, and the tight whoops in the trees made every mistake feel bigger than it should have. White Rock Enduro, Rattlesnake Enduro, and Little Raccoon Enduro highlighted how twitchy the bike felt and how much extra energy was being spent just keeping it in line. Only by the time Gobbler Getter Enduro and the Red River Enduro rolled around did the combination of suspension work, tire choices, and seat time finally help me find confidence on the Adventure Moto GasGas. What you can do: Expect a full season of adaptation when you switch platforms or generations, especially going 2T to 4T.

Prioritize a balanced baseline setup (sag, bars, clickers, gearing) before chasing tiny changes or exotic parts. Keep notes on what actually feels better on race days so you’re not starting over every weekend. 2 - EXPERIENCE AS A SKILL Racing a bunch of new venues in one year meant showing up with almost no frame of reference. The dirt, the way the trail developed, what tires locals ran, how the days flowed, even where the fatigue hit first were all unknowns going in. Sumter Enduro’s deep sand whoops through the trees were a shock after riding mostly Texas singletrack. Cherokee Enduro and Little Raccoon Enduro were their own kind of slick, clay‑heavy

January 2026

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Practice your race‑day plan on practice days so your stomach and brain know what to expect before the race starts. 4 - PHYSICAL ADAPTATION The honest truth at the beginning of the year was simple: not strong enough, not durable enough for what a heavier four‑stroke and full national days demanded. No amount of clickers or tire swaps could hide that forever. Races like White Rock Enduro showed how quickly arms and upper body could fade when the trail was rough, the pace was up, and the bike needed to be muscled around. puzzle that punished the wrong tires and impatient throttle. Leadbelt Enduro, and other late‑season rounds, swung the other direction with heat and dust, where riders who had been there before clearly knew what to expect. What you can do:

tests showed exactly what under‑fueling looked like: poor focus, sloppy line choice, and a pace that simply could not be held. As fitness improved and the effort level went up, the need for more fluids, more electrolytes, and more carbs became impossible to ignore.

Treat experience like a trainable skill: watch POV of the event, ask locals why they run specific setups, and write down what you learn. Use route sheets, gas‑stop notes, and post‑race debriefs so the “first time” at a venue becomes data you can lean on, not something you keep repeating. As your understanding of your bike improves, adjust sag, tires, and gearing for terrain on purpose instead of guessing every race. 3 - HYDRATION AND NUTRITION Enduro is an eating and drinking contest with a high heart rate, and the step up in intensity this season exposed the gaps. The faster the tests were ridden, the more obvious it became that race‑day fueling was not keeping up. On events like the Little Raccoon Enduro and Gobbler Getter Enduro, late‑day 24

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January 2026

What you can do: Plan fueling the same way you plan gas stops: route sheet, note cards, how many bottles, how many gels, and where they get taken. Assume that if you are trying to ride harder or longer, your nutrition and hydration plan has to increase to match that effort.

Any time the bike had to be lifted, pivoted, or yanked out of a bad line, the weight penalty of the 4T showed up, especially near the end of the day. What you can do: Treat off‑bike training as mandatory, not optional, if you want to race an enduro with full intensity all day long.

Build basic strength (hinge, squat, push, pull, carry (grip)) and include threshold work so you can hold form and body position later in the day, not just in test one. Remember that fitness multiplies everything else: better setup, better fueling, and better mindset all work better on a stronger body. 5 - VISUALIZATION, MINDSET, AND RACE PACE Life and family mean weekday riding windows are limited, yet the goal was still to go faster. That forced a look at how much speed could be found without adding more literal Seat Time. Rewatching POV from the season with intent turned out to be a powerful tool: it highlighted safe sections that were ridden like transfers, spots where vision dropped, and places where rolling the throttle on earlier would have been completely fine.

What you can do: Use your own GoPro like free coaching: watch it back, pause, and ask “where was I safe but slow?” instead of only watching for crashes. Define a sustainable race pace and practice it on purpose, rather than only chasing one hero test time. Build simple reset routines (breath, self‑talk, quick review) so a bad test turns into data, not drama. BRINGING IT TOGETHER These five lessons are not the only way to go faster on a dirt bike, but they are the ones this season of racing made impossible to ignore. They sit

right in the Bike.Body.Mind. overlap: how the bike is set up, how the body supports the effort, and how the brain chooses to ride.

whole point is to shorten your learning curve so you do not have to burn a whole season finding out the hard way.

If there is something you are struggling with right now, whether it is setup, fitness, hydration, race craft, or mindset, reply or comment and it can be turned into future videos and articles. The

Seat Time exists to keep you stoked on two wheels, help you show up prepared, and enjoy the process of getting seat time. If we do not see you on the trail, we will see you on the internet.

That footage also supported “focused intensity,” the idea of attacking specific sections and tests on purpose instead of oscillating between survival mode and “hope pace.” “Pulling the Mental Tearoff” after bad tests at races like Little Raccoon Enduro or Muddobbers Enduro kept single mistakes from taking down the whole day.

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January 2026

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10×12 CHALLENGE: JANUARY KICKOFF WORDS

new year brings a fresh start and the return of a challenge that’s already transforming how riders across the country approach their training. The 10×12 Challenge is built on one simple idea: Consistency beats motivation. Whether you’re brand new to riding or deep into your competitive season, this challenge is about building momentum one ride at a time. THE 2026 RULES The 10×12 Challenge stays intentionally simple: • Ride at least 15 minutes for the day to count • Ride 10 days per month • All riding counts — practice, events, drills, fun riding • Each calendar day is a simple Yes or No • The yearly goal: 120 riding days in 2026 No perfection required. Just presence. NEW FOR 2026: HOW TO SUBMIT This year, the challenge officially lives inside the TrialsProgression community — and the submission process is brand new. To complete a month: 1. Track your riding days privately however you prefer 2. At the end of the month, post a photo of your completed calendar or tracking sheet inside the 10×12 Challenge community on Trials Progression 26

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January 2026

ABIGAIL BUZZELLI

That photo is your official submission and qualifies you for monthly stickers, sponsor giveaways, and year-end prizes. JANUARY THEME: BALANCE

At the end of January, two riders will be drawn to receive Tall Boy Fork Guards from Six Mile Industries — one of the cleanest and toughest upgrades you can add to your bike.

We begin where everything begins: balance. Balance isn’t just standing still; it’s the foundation of throttle control, turning, braking, line choice, and obstacle confidence.

Trials Progression is supporting January’s sticker production, which means every rider who completes the January challenge will receive their official 10×12 Challenge sticker.

The stronger your balance becomes, the calmer everything else follows. Instead of thinking of it as “how long can I stand on this bike without disturbing it” test yourself this month to keep your feet on the pegs while there is some component of movement. When practicing in the yard, Chris (@Motocortexyt) and I usually refer to this as ‘active balance.’ So whether that’s trying to do a squat without putting a foot down or some other fun way of challenging yourself, try to change up your ‘static’ balance routine.

To qualify, complete 10 riding days and post your January photo inside the 10x12 Community Challenge (Located within the Trials Progression app). Whoever is at the top of the “leaderboard” within the community will get an extra entry into the drawing as a thank you for all your participation.

PRACTICE IDEAS FOR JANUARY

This month, we invite every rider to share their favorite balance drill inside the Trials Progression community, try something new from another rider, and encourage someone else who’s showing up.

Here are a few ways to work balance into your 15-minute sessions: • Static balancing • Slow figure-8s (Can you make a figure-8 last 60 seconds?) • Slow slalom through cones • Pause-and-go drills (complete stop → smooth restart) We’re kicking off 2026 with incredible support from Six Mile Industries and Trials Progression.

COMMUNITY CALL One of the most powerful parts of this challenge is the collective knowledge of the riding community.

Let’s build this skill together. January isn’t about riding hard. It’s about showing up and building momentum that carries through the entire year. Visit www.10x12challenge.com for all the links and information you need.

January 2026

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X-Trial to Return with Local Heroes WORDS & PHOTOS

XTRIAL

he sixth round of the FIM X-Trial World Championship will include the eleventh rider of the 2026 season, marking the Championship’s return to Great Britain after a long absence, as its last visit took place in January 2016 in Sheffield. George Hemingway (Beta) will make his debut in Leeds, his hometown, in the event scheduled for 5:00 pm (local time), 6:00 pm (CET) on 24 January at the First Direct Bank Arena. He will join his brother Harry (Beta) and Jack Peace (Sherco) as local representatives.

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January 2026

Together with his brother Harry, George Hemingway is a member of a family deeply rooted in the world of trial, with his main inspirations coming from his father Dan and his uncle Ben. At just 17 years, he joins the FIM X-Trial World Championship as a clear sign of his potential and steady progression. The X-Trial Leeds marks the beginning of the second half of the Championship and brings with it a slight change in the criteria used to select the eight participants for each round. As a result, the provisional top five in the Championship

standings — Toni Bou (Repsol Honda Trial Team), Gabriel Marcelli (Repsol Honda Trial Team), Jaime Busto, Harry Hemingway, and Matteo Grattarola (Beta) — headline the Leeds line-up. The other three riders are proposed by the Promoter and approved by the FIM. The sixth and seventh riders must be FIM World Championship competitors, while the eighth does not necessarily have to be. In this case, they are Jack Peace, French rider Hugo Dufrese (Beta), who was in the round on Réunion Island, and the aforementioned George Hemingway. All of them will battle for the sixth podium of the 2026 season in the demanding and spectacular sections of Leeds.

George Hemingway will make his debut in X-Trial at his home round in Great Britain.

CURRENT STANDINGS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Toni Bou (MON) - 95 points Gabriel Marcelli (MON) - 72 points Jaime Busto (GG) - 62 points Harry Hemingway (BET) - 35 points Matteo Grattarola (BET) - 21 points Jack Peace (SHR) - 17 points Francesco Titli (TRS) - 14 points Benoît Bincaz (EMOT) - 11 points Hugo Dufrese (BET) - 9 points Arnau Farré (SHR) - 9 points January 2026

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2O26

2-Stroke - 125 | 250 | 250 | 300 | 300SS

Since Italian Crafted 1905 LEARN MORE AT

The Trial Revolution

Moto Trials

Born from a complete redesign to create the perfect synchrony between rider and machine, the all-new Sincro models features a hydroformed aluminum backbone frame and a completely new direct-intake 2-stroke power plant for sharper geometry and instant throttle response. Nearly 2 lbs lighter than its predecessor, it boasts a new 6-speed gearbox with a diaphragm spring clutch and updated suspension components. This next generation platform delivers seamless control and maximum RideAbility for precision in every section.

Behind the Scenes of Honda RTL ELECTRIC Development (Part 1) WORDS & PHOTOS

s its name suggests, the Honda RTL ELECTRIC is the electric vehicle (EV) version of Honda’s legendary RTL series of competition trial bikes. In 2024, the Honda RTL ELECTRIC competed in three rounds of the All Japan Trial Championship (JTR) as a realworld test. This year, 2025, the RTL ELECTRIC competed in all rounds of the Trial2 class in the Trial World Championship (TrialGP). Hiroyuki Akiyoshi and Yusuke Fukao from Honda’s Electrification Development Division, Motorcycle and Power Products Eletrification Business Unit shared their stories of the RTL ELECTRIC’s development. Both have supported the project since 2024, when Takahisa Fujinami achieved three consecutive JTR 32

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victories riding the RTL ELECTRIC. Many people are involved in this electric bike and project, including motor specialists, component suppliers, and people overseeing the entire operation. However, among the development staff, only Akiyoshi, Fukao and a few others were deployed trackside. Akiyoshi was responsible for the package – combining various components such as the battery and motor – and participated in the 2025 Japanese TrialGP. Meanwhile, Fukao worked closer to the riders, translating their requests and feedback into changes in the bike. He accompanied the team to every race during this season.

January 2026

COURTESY HRC HONDA RACING Honda RTL ELECTRIC made its competitive debut in JTR in 2024. The rider was Fujinami, the 2004 TrialGP World Champion and also the team manager for Repsol Honda HRC. Although it was a spot entry in the final three races of the season in the International A-Class Super (IAS), Japan’s highest class, when combined with Fujinami’s riding the RTL ELECTRIC achieved the remarkable feat of winning all races. In 2025, the stage shifted to the TrialGP Trial2 class. The rider was Miquel Gelabert, a Spaniard born in 1998. He is a proven performer with two third-place podium finishes in TrialGP. The trial bike used for the 2025 season was essentially an updated version of the RTL

ELECTRIC that achieved three consecutive JTR wins the previous year. Given its track record in JTR, with three consecutive wins in the IAS, the development team believed the bike already had sufficient performance to compete in the Trial2 class. However, the rider was not Fujinami, but Gelabert, with whom they had no prior connection. Fukao: Building the initial prototype is challenging, but tailoring its characteristics to the rider is equally difficult, and we really struggled at first. Each rider has different demands. For example, a mapping that worked well for Fujinami would yield different requests when Gelabert rode it. Especially with EVs, just one mapping adjustment can completely change the bike’s character. What felt like a

4-stroke could turn into a 2-stroke, or even feel like a different displacement entirely, just by changing the mapping. WHAT WERE GELABERT’S FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE RTL ELECTRIC AND HIS INITIAL REQUESTS? Akiyoshi: He seemed to have good chemistry with the EV and got the hang of it quickly. His requests for the bike were quite different from Fujinami’s. He specifically asked for a kick when opening the throttle. Fukao: He wanted that strong feeling, like an engine blast. He wanted that thudding sensation when opening the throttle. Akiyoshi: With an engine, each combustion cycle is felt by the rider. But motors lack that pulse. They just whir. Fukao: What was interesting was that when we implemented the rider’s requests as is, it didn’t lead to results at all. We later realized we were heading the wrong way. This was during the phase of exploring the motor’s characteristics and the feel produced. Akiyoshi: Ultimately, when power dominates, it doesn’t bite into the road surface. It spins—meaning the tires are slipping. That sensation is harder to grasp compared to an engine. With an engine, the rider evaluates the acceleration based on the feel of the engine. For a certain feel, acceleration is sluggish, so the rider can feel it’s slipping. But with EVs, it’s so smooth and powerful that spinning and gripping can feel the same. The feedback difference to the rider is minimal—it spins both lightly and incredibly fast.

Fukao: The mapping we tuned repeatedly based on Gelabert’s requests ended up with quite aggressive characteristics. The idea was a feel where opening the throttle just a bit produced explosive acceleration. Gelabert really liked riding with that feeling. But when we went into the opening round with that setup, the results were disastrous. Akiyoshi: That first result outside of the points was truly shocking. Even for the next three races, scoring points wasn’t the goal, so we thought this couldn’t be right. Before the season started, we were riding with the mindset of winning from the opening round, full of confidence. Everyone, including Gelabert, didn’t expect such a result. For the TrialGP Trial2 class season opener in Spain, Gelabert rode that RTL ELECTRIC that Fujinami rode to victory in three JTR rounds last year. This marked the RTL ELECTRIC’s first foray onto the world stage. Fans worldwide, the development team, and the rider were confident of victory. Saturday’s Race 1, however, ended in 16th place with zero points. While the team recovered to score points in

Race 2, the results fell far short of expectations. Akiyoshi: During testing and practice, it seemed to be performing well. In practice, we sometimes ran alongside engine-powered bikes, and there were even sections where it felt like only the EV could handle it. The entire team believed we could win, so finishing without points was completely unexpected. UNEXPECTED STRUGGLES. WAS IT RIDER UNFAMILIARITY, OR THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES OF THE RACE? Akiyoshi: I think the calm environment of practice versus the race was just different. The way he opened the throttle seemed different in practice compared to the race. Fukao: That felt bad. But there was only one week between the opening round and Round 2. With travel time, we only had about one day, maybe a day and a half, to actually

test the bike. We changed direction in that limited time, though. The bike was exactly the same, but we just made a major change to the direction of the mapping. Then, within the remaining short time, we had to get Gelabert to adapt his riding style. The development team determined from debriefing that the cause of this poor performance wasn’t Gelabert, but the mapping controlling the motor. A major change in the direction of the mapping was needed in a short time, and Fujinami was the one to steer that change. Fukao: Changing the direction of the mapping meant Gelabert had to abandon the settings he had painstakingly tuned to his liking. Honestly, Gelabert must have felt confusion and conflict. It was Fujinami who stood by Gelabert and persuaded him. Fujinami described it as a generous setup – a mapping where the bike would tolerate some rough handling to a certain

PREVIOUS: Yusuke Fukao (left) and Hiroyuki Akiyoshi (right) from the Electrification Development Division, Motorcycle and Power Products Electrification Business Unit BELOW: Fujinami in the 2024 JTR

Top riders compete in a realm that ordinary riders cannot reach. Building a better bike starts by giving shape to their words. Yet, with EVs still holding many unknowns, trial and error between riders and developers is essential. January 2026

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extent. After all, the Trial2 class allows even less room for error than the GP class. Akiyoshi: The race isn't decided by whether the rider can or cannot do something, but by how well they can ride without making mistakes. Gelabert’s setup was one where it was fast, but a small mistake could lead to a major crash. Fujinami explained this to Gelabert. Every rider has their own convictions. If they cannot believe in themselves, they will hesitate when tackling difficult sections. Understanding and accepting such a major directional change from a peaky setup delivering sudden bursts of power to a solid setup prioritizing results would not be easy for a rider. Fukao: Honestly, Gelabert seemed a bit unconvinced at first. But as he rode through various sections, he intuitively understood, just as Fujinami advised, that the new mapping offered a higher success rate. Gelabert’s original setup still worked sometimes. In fact, he’d ride brilliantly sometimes. But it lacked consistency. Switching to a more forgiving setup significantly increased his success rate. As the setup changed, there were shifts in Gelabert’s riding as well as the bike. Fukao: Once he started feeling the increased success rate from the setup change, he became much more open to listening to the engineers’ opinions. During the mapping process, we sometimes have completely opposite opinions, but he trusts us to make the final call. Akiyoshi: He completely overhauled his riding style in a very short time. That led to his victory in Round 2 in Portugal. Mapping can theoretically be input into the bike as much as wanted. This means it should be possible to switch between optimal mappings for each terrain or section. 34

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WOULDN’T USING THEM THAT WAY GAIN EVEN BETTER RESULTS? Fukao: For a rider who can finely select maps according to the situation, that might be possible. Fujinami was more that type, instantly judging and switching while riding. In contrast, Gelabert is more the type to ride anywhere with one map. He inputs the bike’s behavior into his own body during practice runs and reproduces that in the race. So, to put it extremely, for Gelabert’s mapping, having just a dry-weather map and a wet-weather map would be sufficient. An intriguing diagram, though the fine print was unreadable, resembled a grand flowchart. Fukao: This is the mapping family tree. It shows how we evolved from the very first map. Gelabert’s responsive maps are somewhere in here too. We created this family tree to share information within the development team, but it also serves to trace the origins of each map. During the mapping process, requests like reverting to yesterday’s mapping sometimes come up, and this is where the family tree proves useful.

January 2026

Gelabert claimed his first win on the Honda RTL ELECTRIC at round 2 in Portugal, and ended the season in second place overall.

Mapping is not just for specialists. Eventually, Gelabert became part of this group too. Fukao: Sometimes, between runs, I’ll sketch the map’s characteristics in a notebook. We’ll all look at it together, including Gelabert, and discuss how to modify specific areas. Gelabert would add drawings and comments. The sketches can be very rough, but we’d sometimes use those images as references for mapping. Akiyoshi: This kind of work is unique to EVs. Changes are reflected much faster than with engine-powered bikes. The work time is shorter too, so I think riders waiting for work to be done experience less stress. With an engine, it might be a matter of grinding the cam, but once you grind it, you can’t put it back. Gelabert was really impressed by this kind of work and tried all sorts of things. However, precisely because you can do so much, especially in the beginning, you tend to overdo it and things get confusing. This experience was refreshing for Gelabert, who said he’d only

ever worked with carburetor bikes before. Honda’s EV challenge in the world of trials, which began with three consecutive JTR victories, faced the harsh reality of unexpectedly scoring zero points in the Trial2 season opener. However, through the development team’s swift recovery, Fujinami’s persuasion, and Gelabert’s astonishing adaptability, the team succeeded in recovering and claiming victory in a short time. The mapping resulted from adjustments unique to EVs, and the rider and EV bike adapting to each other. The Honda RTL ELECTRIC was not just a fast bike, but was establishing its presence globally as an EV bike built to conquer the trial world. Yet, the long TrialGP season was far from smooth sailing. As riding time increased and the bike faced diverse terrain, unique design challenges specific to EV trial bikes emerged, and the team faced unexpected issues late in the season.

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SAND, STONE, AND SECONDS RAM-PAGE SETS THE TONE FOR 2026 WORDS PHOTOS

STEPH VETTERLY MARK KARIYA & COURTESY WHS

he 2026 AMA West Hare Scrambles season roared to life in Page, Arizona, where sand, stone, and relentless pace combined to produce one of the most hard-fought openers in recent memory. The Ram-Page Hare Scramble delivered exactly what its desert setting promised—highspeed sand rollers, technical sandstone ledges, and a race that refused to settle until the final mile. From the Pro Open class to Pro 250 and Pro Women, Round 1 set an early tone for a championship that already looks poised to go the distance.

At the front of the Pro Open field, defending champion Mateo Oliveira began his title defense in the best way possible—by winning. Making his debut with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, Oliveira powered his Husqvarna FE 450 to victory after a race-long duel that saw positions swapped repeatedly between himself and Zane Roberts. The two riders were rarely separated by more than a few seconds across the grueling six-lap contest, turning the Arizona desert into a sustained pressure cooker from start to finish.

RIGHT : Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Racing's Mateo Oliveira (1) with Beta's Zane Roberts (851) in hot pursuit. 36

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January 2026

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Oliveira showed early composure, opting for consistency as the race unfolded, initially leading before settling into second position on the opening lap. Despite an early fall, he stayed locked inside the podium positions, managing energy and momentum as the sandy, whooped-out terrain continued to deteriorate. When the opportunity finally came, Oliveira struck decisively on the final lap, hammering home the winning move to secure the first checkered flag of the 2026 season with a six-second margin in a total time of 2:25:59. “I felt super-good here in Page this weekend and my bike was working amazing,” Oliveira said. “My whole setup right now is working really well, and it kind of blew me away how good it was handling in the high-speed sand rollers! We had a good, cat-and-mouse battle today for the whole race – we went back and forth around five to 10 times – and then I really hammered the last lap. I think my final lap-time would have been pretty fast. The technicality of the track was fun, and the whole layout was sweet, but I'm really

stoked with how my bike handled the conditions today. This is the perfect way to start with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team!” Roberts was every bit Oliveira’s equal across the two-and-a-half-hour race, launching a fierce challenge aboard his Liqui Moly Beta Factory 480 RR. After a poor start, Roberts charged forward aggressively, surprising the field by attacking early and passing into the lead on the opening lap. What followed was a physical, strategic battle shaped by Page’s unique terrain—one that made building a gap nearly impossible and rewarded relentless pressure over outright aggression. The two riders traded the physical lead nearly ten times, with neither able to escape as sand whoops and rock ledges forced constant recalculation. The deciding moment came heartbreakingly late for Roberts, who went down with roughly a mile remaining, relinquishing his final chance at victory and settling for second place overall.

“Pretty solid weekend for the opening round of the AMA West Hare Scrambles. The Page venue always provides a very physically demanding race,” Roberts said. “After a poor start, I quickly worked my way up to second and then had an entire race-long battle with Mateo for the lead. After swapping positions multiple times, it came down to the last lap, and unfortunately, I went down with about a mile to go and gave up a shot at the victory. Overall, l had great race and an epic race-long battle!” Behind the lead duo, the depth of the Pro Open field was on full display. Making his return to the series aboard the PC Kawasaki, Dalton Shirey charged steadily throughout the race to claim third place after two and a half hours of punishing hare scramble conditions, adding another strong storyline to an already stacked opening round. The Pro 250 class delivered its own statement performance, as Layton Smail put together a commanding ride that left little doubt about his intentions for the season. Starting from the second row, Smail dropped the hammer early, carving through traffic to establish control of the class and placing himself inside the overall standings for much of the day. Sand and

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January 2026

stone did little to slow the Kawasaki-mounted rider, who controlled the pace from the front en route to a dominant class win. Behind him, defending champion Ryder Thomaselli secured valuable championship points with a strong second-place finish, while Jaden Dahners rounded out the Pro 250 podium aboard his RPM KTM. The Pro Women’s class provided one of the most dynamic battles of the day, with momentum swinging back and forth throughout the race. Ava Silvestri grabbed the holeshot and led early, setting the initial pace before a mistake opened the door for defending champion Rachel Stout to take over at the front. Stout pushed hard to establish a gap, but Silvestri refused to let the race slip away, charging back into the lead and ultimately reclaiming the top spot after one and a half hours of racing to take the victory. On the Let’s Ride Kawasaki, Ashlee Gage mounted a determined charge of her own,

positioning herself into third place to secure crucial championship points as the series moves toward Round 2. When the dust finally settled in Page, Arizona, Round 1 of the 2026 AMA West Hare Scrambles had delivered exactly what the series is known for—unforgiving terrain, relentless competition, and races decided only when the clock finally ran out. With Oliveira and Roberts already locked in a season-long duel, dominant class performances emerging, and the Pro Women’s field proving just as unpredictable as ever, the championship storylines are already firmly in motion as the series heads next to Chaney Ranch in California.

LEFT : Rachel Stout (1L) RIGHT: Ava Silvestri (454L)

EVENT RESULTS GOLD OVERALL

PRO WOMEN

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

1. 2. 3. 4.

Mateo Oliveira (HSQ) Zane Roberts (BET) Dalton Shirey (KAW) Iane Lorenzo (GG) Justin Wallis Clayton Hengeveld (YAM) Alex Trapp (KTM) Ivan Ramirez (KTM) Jon Nordling (TM)

Ava Silvestri (HSQ) Rachel Stout (KTM) Ashlee Gage (KAW) Catalina Springstroh (BET)

January 2026

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Photo: R. Schedl

300 XC 300 XC

lways wear protective safety gear and ride in a responsible manner. Production model specifications and options may vary from the displayed vehicles.

RAW 2-STROKE POWER The 2026 KTM 300 XC doesn‘t just show up – it dominates. Its razor-sharp chassis and dialed suspension make it a weapon of choice for riders who live wide open. The 2026 KTM 300 XC isn‘t just a contender – it‘s the original alpha.

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January 2026

INSIDE THE PRESSURE COOKER WORDS PHOTOS

STEPH VETTERLY FUTURE7MEDIA

January 2026

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ound two of the 2026 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship unfolded in front of a sold-out crowd in Riesa on January 3, delivering a night that perfectly captured the brutality, precision, and spectacle that define indoor enduro racing. Inside the WT Energiesysteme Arena, the championship picture sharpened dramatically as Billy Bolt delivered a flawless performance, Josep Garcia achieved a landmark debut podium, and Jonny Walker once again proved himself the most consistent threat to the reigning champion. Adding to the depth of the story, Manuel Lettenbichler delivered a solid and emotional home performance that underlined just how tight and competitive the Prestige class has become. Riesa is a venue that leaves no room for hesitation. The compact German arena amplifies every mistake, with its tight rhythm sections, heavy logs, rock gardens, and the iconic bridge obstacle demanding absolute commitment. The atmosphere alone is enough to raise the intensity, and with thousands of fans filling every seat, the pressure on the riders was immense long before the first gate drop. With the Prestige field stacked with world champions, race winners, and rising stars, round two was always destined to be a pivotal moment in the early stages of the season. The pace was evident from the opening sessions. Walker topped timed practice aboard his Triumph TF 450-E, immediately showing comfort and aggression on the technical layout. Bolt, by 44

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contrast, approached the day methodically, building speed as conditions evolved. When SuperPole arrived, the margins were razor thin. Bolt delivered when it mattered most, setting the fastest lap to claim three crucial championship points and first gate pick. Garcia once again impressed in the one-lap shootout, going second fastest in just his second SuperEnduro appearance, while Lettenbichler showed solid speed in front of his home crowd. Prestige Final 1 ignited the arena. Bolt launched cleanly from the gate to grab the holeshot, but an early mistake allowed Walker to slip through and take control. What followed was one of the most intense battles of the night, with the two trading lines and momentum through the

January 2026

toughest sections of the track. The crowd roared as the pair ran bar-to-bar, neither willing to concede. Late in the race, Walker made a small error that proved decisive, opening the door for Bolt to retake the lead and pull clear to the checkered flag. Eddie Karlsson delivered another strong ride aboard the Stark VARG to claim third, while Garcia and Lettenbichler fought their way through early chaos to remain firmly in contention. The reverse-grid format for Final 2 reshuffled the order and brought fresh drama. Lettenbichler thrilled the German fans by grabbing the holeshot, but Bolt’s charge from the second row was immediate and decisive. Once in clean air, the Husqvarna rider was untouchable, controlling the race from the

front and steadily extending his advantage. Walker followed him home in second, while Karlsson again showed consistency to secure third. Garcia, delayed at the start, fought forward with precision and determination to claim sixth, salvaging valuable points in the overall fight. Final 3 carried significant stakes. Bolt was chasing a perfect night, Walker needed a strong finish to challenge for the overall, and Garcia was within reach of a career-defining podium. Bolt executed another textbook start, quickly breaking free and opening a commanding gap. Behind him, Garcia produced one of the standout starts of the evening, carving through turn one and establishing himself in podium position early. Riding with confidence

PREVIOUS: Husqvarna Factory Racing's Billy Bolt (57) ABOVE: Jonny Walker (22), Eddie Karlsson (42), Manuel Lettenbichler (304), Alfredo Gomez Cantero (89)

and composure, the Spaniard held firm under pressure to cross the line second. Mitch Brightmore claimed third after a hard-fought race, while Walker, battling through traffic, suffered a costly late mistake that dropped him back to fifth and ended his hopes of mounting a final-race challenge. When the points were tallied, Bolt’s SuperPole victory and three race wins delivered a maximum haul of 63 points and an emphatic overall victory. Walker’s consistent 2-2-5 results secured second overall, while Garcia’s 4-6-2 scorecard earned

him third—his first-ever SuperEnduro podium and one of the defining moments of the night. Lettenbichler’s steady performances placed him sixth overall, reinforcing his position inside the championship top six. Bolt was understandably satisfied after delivering perfection on one of the toughest tracks of the season. “It was a perfect night with the SuperPole win and three race victories, so I’m really happy with how things went,” he said. “As always in Riesa, it was a tough day on a challenging track and the level was incredibly close, with very January 2026

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little separating everyone, especially in SuperPole. To come away with three race wins in those conditions is really satisfying. It’s a great result for the championship and, just as importantly, a big boost for confidence. The team and bike are working really well, and I’m already looking forward to heading to Bilbao in a few weeks’ time.” Garcia’s night carried a different kind of weight. Entering the event as a wildcard with limited SuperEnduro experience, the EnduroGP world champion exceeded expectations with a mature, calculated ride that highlighted his adaptability. “To be honest, to finish on the podium at a round of SuperEnduro was not one of my goals this season,” Garcia admitted. “The plan was to come here, enjoy it, and just try to learn as much as possible. I gave 100 percent as always here in Germany, and it’s paid off. I really liked the track – it wasn’t too technical and suited my style quite well. After taking second in SuperPole, I didn’t have much luck in the first two race starts as I got tangled up a little. In the last race, I knew I had to get through and make a good start, and it all went well, thankfully. I pushed for the whole race, and it paid off. Thanks to all the team for helping me achieve one of my dreams.” For Lettenbichler, racing at home added an emotional layer to an already demanding night. “It’s been great to race in front on my home fans here in Germany – the atmosphere has been electric,” he said. “The races went well; I got some pretty decent starts and managed to fight my way through the carnage most of the time. I was close to getting on the podium in race two but didn’t quite have the pace. In the last race, I got up to sixth and was able to stay there to the finish. I’m happy with sixth overall on the night and looking forward to the next one.”

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Walker’s evening was defined by both frustration and resilience, as he once again demonstrated front-running speed but was left wanting more after the final race. “I’m a bit surprised to come away with second place tonight, as I didn’t feel at my best on the track and struggled at times,” he said. “That said, I’m happy with the result and the points. I had a big crash in the final race and hurt my arm slightly, but I’m hopeful I can get some good training done this week and come back stronger for Bilbao.” Beyond the Prestige class, round two delivered significant moments across the championship. Germany’s Milan Schmüser delighted the home crowd by securing the overall victory in the Junior class, showing composure under pressure and reinforcing his status as a title contender. In the Youth category, Austria’s Luca Kropitsch emerged on top after a fiercely contested night that showcased the next generation of SuperEnduro talent. Each class contributed to the sense that the 2026 season is entering a new era of depth, with young

January 2026

ABOVE: Josep Garcia (26) BELOW : Junior Class start with Milan Schmüser (6) out front

riders pushing established names and manufacturers continuing to refine their machinery. As the championship leaves Germany, the message from

Riesa is unmistakable. Bolt has set an early benchmark with a perfect night and a growing points advantage. Walker remains firmly in the hunt through consistency and determination. Garcia’s

podium has injected fresh intrigue into the series narrative, especially with his upcoming home appearance in Spain. With momentum building and pressure mounting, the

2026 SuperEnduro World Championship now heads to Bilbao, carrying with it the promise that the intensity seen in Riesa is only the beginning.

EVENT RESULTS

SEASON RESULTS

Prestige

PRO

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Billy Bolt (HSQ) Jonny Walker (TRI) Josep Garcia (KTM) Eddie Karlsson (STK) Mitch Brightmore (GG) Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) Toby Martyn (STK) Diogo Vieira (GG) TIm Apolle (BET) Dominik Olszowy (RJU)

Billy Bolt - 123pts Jonny Walker - 93pts Eddie Karlsson - 79pts Mitch Brightmore - 75pts Josep Garcia - 70pts Manuel Lettenbichler - 59pts Dominik Olszowy - 45pts Diogo Vieira - 41pts Toby Martyn - 40pts Tim Apolle - 37pts

January 2026

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January 2026 On the Pegs Magazine